Abstract: A ventilator system for a bed that withdraws air from under the bedding covers to provide fresh airflow along a sleeper's body is disclosed. The bed ventilator system includes an air removal extraction device at one end of a single bed, or along the lower-half sides of a shared bed, between the bottom sheet and the bed covers at the mattress top surface. A conduit directs withdrawn air from the extraction device to a vacuum generating system that provides negative air pressure as a motive force to withdraw air. The system provides air flow in the natural hair follicle direction, relieving bed occupants from both temperature and bodily odor distractions.

Abstract: A coil spring containing mattress comprises a coil spring encased in a sealed container or casing. One or more compressible pads may be included within the casing. Desirably, these pads are of an open-celled foam material which may be compressed in response to applied pressure. Air may be allowed to flow from the mattress to facilitate compression of the mattress and then blocked to assist in maintaining the mattress in a compressed state, for example for shipment.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus for use with a suction source comprises a core having a one or more foam elements and a cover having an interior region in which the core is situated. The cover is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction source operates to evacuate a portion of air from the interior region so that at least one of the foam elements is partially compressed within the interior region of the cover due to the evacuation of the portion of air.

Abstract: A person-support apparatus for use with a suction source comprises a core having a one or more foam elements and a cover having an interior region in which the core is situated. The cover is in fluid communication with the suction source and the suction source operates to evacuate a portion of air from the interior region so that at least one of the foam elements is partially compressed within the interior region of the cover due to the evacuation of the portion of air.

Abstract: A pressure adjustable foam support apparatus includes a resilient, air pressure adjustable, self-inflating foam core. A flexible, airtight cover encloses the core. One or more air passageways are formed through the covering in pneumatic communication with the foam core. Each passageway carries a valve for alternately permitting and blocking passage into and out of the core through the passageway. The valve is opened to exhaust air from and at least partially collapse the core and to allow a core that is at least partially collapsed to draw in air through the passageway and expand. The valve is closed to maintain a selected air pressure within the core whereby corresponding levels of density and firmness (IFD) are exhibited by the core. At least one level of density and firmness provides the core with a viscoelastic or latex foam feel hence greatly reducing pressure points and increasing comfort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a therapeutic seat or bed for reducing the likelihood of decubitus ulcers, which can form in the skin surrounding a weight-bearing bony protrusion. The seat or bed includes one or more compressible supports in a cushion that can be moved between a compressed, relaxed, or inflated state to relieve pressure from the skin surrounding the bony protrusion to increase the blood flow or stimulate the blood flow through the area surrounding the bony protrusion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for managing waste from patient care, maintenance, and/or treatment includes an inflatable bladder member disposed to support at least a first portion of the body of the patient. A flexible basin member is fitted over the bladder and receives waste materials, and a filter sheet is disposed atop the basin member. The basin member is connected to a liquid/gas separator and a vacuum blower. A liquid waste pump is connected to the separator to transfer liquid waste to a holding jug. A vacuum wand provides both suction and rinsing liquid via an on-demand pumping supply configuration that enables the rinsing liquid supplied from a rinse jug to be heated. Liquid levels in the rinse liquid jug, the holding jug, and the separator's holding reservoir are sensed by capacitive level sensing devices which supply signals to a microprocessor which controls various functions of the apparatus. Special inflatable sacks are provided to assist turning the patient to facilitate cleansing of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention solves a possible contributing cause of Sudden Infant Death syndrome. A body support pad having a support portion and a pillow portion is disclosed. The support portion is connected to the pillow portion. The pillow portion provides ventilation to the infant. The pillow portion has a thin outer sheet permeable to the passage of air which keeps the head of the infant in healthy repose. The interior of the pillow is subdivided into an upper portion containing a porous foam material and a lower portion containing an air pocket. An air pump supplies air to the air pocket to thus supply air to the nose and mouth of the infant.

Abstract: A supporting element having a rigidity which may be adjustably controlled includes a cover (29) and a filler (30). The filler includes a flexible laminated structure having a plurality of layers (31, 32, 33; 32a, 32b; 34) which are mounted to be moveable relative to one another under the effect of a non-uniform distribution of force compressing the filler in the absence of a controlled pressure. The cover (29) is coupled to a vacuum source and is adapted to receive a controlled pressure to make the supporting element more or less rigid. When the cover (29) has a predetermined inner pressure, the relative displacement of the respective layers is prevented thereby giving the layers a predetermined rigidity. The layers may have a device for immobilizing the layers distributed on either side of at least one compressible layers (32, 32a, 32b).